MUSKEGON COUNTY, Michigan — A multi-agency recovery effort was called off Tuesday after a weekend-long search for a man who went underwater and never resurfaced at Pere Marquette Beach on Saturday afternoon.
Authorities believe they have the identity of the victim, a 21-year-old man from Ann Arbor. Muskegon Police said they came to this conclusion from talking to witnesses at the beach as well as property at the scene.
The family was notified, police said, but law enforcement will not release the man's name until they confirm the drowning.
Wave conditions Monday were dangerous, so search efforts were intermittent.
Crews had been searching since Saturday afternoon when witnesses told authorities they saw a swimmer go underwater and not resurface about 200 feet off the south break arm at Pere Marquette Beach.
The Muskegon Fire Department, Norton Shores Fire Department, Muskegon County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Coast Guard conducted an extensive search of the area.
On Tuesday, the Muskegon County Sheriff's Office Marine Division will be using a “side scan sonar” in and around area the man was last seen. Kent County first responders are training with their sonar and asked to search the area as well, Muskegon authorities say.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Muskegon County Central Dispatch or the Muskegon Police Department.
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